Mini has lifted the curtain on the final combustion-engined iteration of its three-door hatchback, now designated the Cooper – saying it has prioritised “agile handling, driving pleasure, safety and comfort”.
Taking visual inspiration from the 1959 original, the hatch has been the mainstay of the Mini line-up since BMW relaunched the brand in 2000.
The fourth-generation model is all but identical to the new electric three-door visually but entirely unrelated mechanically.
While the electric car is based on a bespoke EV platform, the ICE car is a heavy update of the current model.
Indeed, it will offer the same two turbocharged petrol engines as the third-generation hatch, although with marked rises in output.
The 1.5-litre triple in the entry-level Cooper C gains 20bhp for a total of 154bhp, making it 0.4sec quicker from 0-62mph (taking 7.7sec) but 3.5mpg less economical.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the Cooper S, meanwhile, is boosted by 25bhp to 201bhp. Its 0-62mph time remains at 6.6sec, but that is still quicker than the range-topping electric Cooper SE (6.7sec).
Both cars get an automatic gearbox only. Mini previously said it was “99% sure” that the option of a manual wouldn’t return, having said goodbye to stick-shifts with the John Cooper Works 1to6 special.
Inside, the new petrol three-door features a minimalist dashboard centred on the OLED infotainment display.
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Retaining the unpainted wheel arches and chrome door handles this looks better than the electric version to my eyes, and the front is better than the current model. Hopefully they can make the 5dr look less awkward than the current car too.
Retaining the unpainted wheel arches and chrome door handles this looks better than the electric version to my eyes, and the front is better than the current model. Hopefully they can make the 5dr look less awkward than the current car too.
A manual box please